Tennessee 26, Alabama 10: Vols dominate the Tide for their biggest series win since 1998

Tennessee did not sneak past Alabama this time. The Volunteers controlled the Crimson Tide from start to finish in a 26-10 win at Neyland Stadium, their first victory over Alabama by 16 or more points since 1998. After the 2022 classic and a narrow escape in 2024, this one was a statement, and it pushed 6-1 Tennessee officially into the thick of the College Football Playoff battle while handing Alabama its second straight loss.

The defense announced itself early, with the defensive line forcing a fumble from Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell. Tennessee could not fully cash in, though, settling for field goals as the lead grew to 6-0 and then 9-0. A George MacIntyre interception and an Alabama touchdown tightened the game, the teams traded field goals, and the Vols went to halftime up just 12-10, left to wonder if the missed chances would come back on them.

They never did. A key fourth-down stop early in the second half set the tone, DeSean Bishop finally punched through for a touchdown to stretch the lead to 19-10, and a 15-play drive that burned more than nine minutes put the game away. Bishop finished with 159 yards and two touchdowns on 32 carries, Mike Matthews caught seven passes for 85 yards, and MacIntyre was an efficient 21-of-31 for 197 yards.

The defense owned the day. Russell threw for only 147 yards with two interceptions, Alabama managed just 54 rushing yards as a team, and Tennessee piled up five sacks, two each from Tyree Weathersby and Jeremiah Telander and one from Arion Carter. Kicker Cooper Ranvier chipped in four field goals, and Josh Heupel called the defensive effort suffocating and elite after the game.

Now 6-1 overall and 3-1 in the SEC, Tennessee moves on to a road game at South Carolina next week with real momentum. A defense that can travel the way this one played Saturday gives the Volunteers a chance in every game left on the schedule.